Sakura Japanese Steak, Seafood House & Sushi Bar

Every year to remember a loved one we miss, we have dinner at a restaurant that she loved on her birthday. Yesterday, I called and explained that I have Celiac disease and cannot have gluten and wanted to know if they had gluten free options. They assured me that they can prepare everything with gluten free soy sauce and listed the two things I cannot have. We are a party of six. I asked if it would be possible for our party to sit at a hibachi table alone to have all the food prepared with gluten free soy sauce, to avoid cross contamination. She said they typically don't reserve tables. I said, even if it's not busy? She said if it's not busy it's possible that we can. When we walked in today, all but two hibachi tables were completely empty. The person I spoke to on the phone was there. She said they do not reserve tables and would have us sit with four others, but that it was ok because my food would be prepared first. I said "so everyone at the table would have to wait for mine to be finished before theirs is started?" (I didn't like that idea, I didn't want people waiting longer because of me.) She said no, that my food would be moved to the side and prepared separately before regular soy sauce was added to the rest of the hibachi. We were sat and I expressed my hesitance and concern to the server. She assured me that her mother has Celiac disease and she understands. I became ill within 30 minutes. The reason I post this review is because shortly after we were sat, a couple came in and ended up having an entire hibachi table to themselves. At least four hibachi tables remained completely empty the entire time we were there. The place was not busy and my food being cross contaminated was needless and completely avoidable. (I have been to hibachi before, perfectly fine, because the entire hibachi table was using gluten free soy sauce.) They refused that for us even though the restaurant had more than enough tables, all while assuring me they were taking the precautions necessary. I will never be back and encourage anyone, especially those with dietary restrictions, to choose anywhere else than here-- it's too expensive for them to care this little about ensuring the safety and experience of their patrons.

Nice place. The food was fresh and hot. Have to be Gluten free and they were able to that. The service was excellent for the size of the party we had. Would go back again.